RAM is where your computer stores data and programs that are currently in use. When you open multiple applications or tabs in your web browser, each of these consumes RAM. Having more RAM allows your computer to keep more data and applications readily available for quick access without having to constantly read from the slower storage drive (e.g., HDD or SSD).
While the CPU is essential for multitasking, its primary role is to execute the instructions and calculations required by the running programs. A powerful CPU can handle multiple tasks more efficiently, but it may not prevent slowdowns if your RAM is insufficient.
In a multitasking scenario, having ample RAM is critical because it allows your computer to keep multiple applications and data readily accessible without causing delays when switching between tasks. If you regularly engage in heavy multitasking, such as running multiple applications simultaneously, editing large files, or working with virtual machines, having more RAM will help ensure a smoother experience.
That said, having a capable CPU is still important, especially if you’re running multitasks concurrently. Ideally, a balanced system with both sufficient RAM and a capable CPU will provide the best multitasking performance. Additionally, other factors like storage speed (using an SSD instead of an HDD) can also influence multitasking performance by reducing data retrieval times.
